Rotten but beautiful old Llanelli bandstand set in glorious park will be restored

A bandstand built in Llanelli before the First World War is to be restored.

Some people in the town will remember the Parc Howard structure as an aviary containing exotic birds.

Carmarthenshire Council is behind the plans for the grade two-listed bandstand, which will require a new floor, the repair and redecoration of existing columns and balustrades, some new replica balustrades and a handrail.

Fencing was put up around the building in 2016 as the floor had rotted.

Many bandstands fell out of use in the 1950s and 1960s, according to a heritage impact assessment submitted as part of the council's change of use application, but the one at Parc Howard continued to play a role in civic events.

Concerts were held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the park’s opening in 1962, and there is video footage celebrating the investiture of Prince Charles in 1969.

The Queen visited Parc Howard in 1977 as part of her silver jubilee.

Parc Howard (Llanelli Star)

In later days the bandstand was converted into an aviary.

"Despite the decay has happened over the last two decades, the image of the bandstand before is much stronger in the collective memory of local people," said the heritage assessment.

"The many early 20th Century photo postcards of the bandstand demonstrate the sense of pride that people had in the place and show how beautiful it was."

Parc Howard was gifted to the people of Llanelli in 1912 by Sir Stafford Howard and Lady Howard. It was bought by Llanelli Borough Council in 1965.

Carmarthenshire Council is working with Llanelli Town Council to restore Parc Howard, which at one point was on the authority's asset transfer list.

John Jenkins, who serves on both councils, said: "I'm delighted to see the bandstand restoration is progressing.

"It's one of many exciting projects taking place at Parc Howard through the county council and town council collaboration."

The museum at Parc Howard, which also has a volunteer association, was closed during the spring and summer due to the coronavirus pandemic. It reopened to visitors with new safety guidelines early last month.